I have one, and like it. But back at the shop and even in the field, I use the hook for lifting frames far less then the standard "bent" end on a normal hive tool which I use for scraping, etc. So I think it's nice to have one in the tool box, but I just end up using my standard hive tool 99% of the time anyways.

I have one and would advise anyone to get one. Using the "old" style I have already broken box corners trying to pry a frame out or broke top bars trying to get them out. The style you are talking about is great, it lifts a frame out by using the frame next to it with really no chance for cracking the top bars. With this type you hold the tool horizontal and put the J part down between two frames then pivot the tool vertically. Half the frame is lifted up about 1 inch, I grab that side with one hand then use the tool to get the other side out and grab it with my other hand and lift it out. I dont think I even have the old style anymore. You will not be disappointed if you get the J style.

I have one of them and like it too. I like the J-hook end makes it easy to pry sticky frames out. And it don't have the sharp bent end to cut into truck seats if I forget it in my back pocket. :-D Not that I ever cut a truck seat with a hive tool but somebody might have I know of. :-D They are nice to have and that's a great price even if you decide you don't like it.

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Without Thomas Edison & Alexander Graham Bell we wouldn't have the graveyard shift or Telemarketers. So how do you like them now?

Well, I actually bought all of the ones that are shown. I didn't know which ones I would like so I got a few different styles, since I figure I will probably lose one anyway.Having said that I have not used them yet since I don't get bees until this spring.The reason why I am posting is that Brushy Mountain is offering a free hive tool for each customer throughout the whole 2009 year, the code for redeeming the tool is FHT.Its the basic 10 inch tool that is the silver and red color on their website, but I am mentioning it because if you order the newer j hook style or whatever you decide on you can still get this one for free and keep it as a spare.

I use to use that style, but have switched to the Betterbee giant hive tool and love it. It is so sharp compared to any other hive tool I have ever used, you could almost shave with it. Much less damage when scraping propolis since you don't need to use as much force. I also find the 2 different length J hooks come in quite handy. I misplaced it one day and had to revert to the old tool and said never again and got 3 more of the giants.

Wow. Lots of responses! Thanks. The one oldenglish posted is the type I had lost. Same color too actually....maybe that is mine. :lol: You are right too...that is a good price. Maybe I will get both. Thanks again for the responses and Greg, thanks for detailing how they are used, I wasn't sure how that worked exactly.

I have both the old style scraper and the J-hook. Like other have posted, the one at the beginning of the thread is good for prying frames up and the scraper type for separating boxes or the combination of the two to get the job done. I like the one Robo listed, might have to order one to try it out. Looks hell for stout.

The Maxant hive tool, (the one you are calling the J hook) is the only type I use. I have bought a lot of them, I like to keep one in every yard, one in each truck, one in each tool box and a couple of extras in the house and honey house. Haven't lost one yet!

Beware of the cheap ones! They are not as sturdy as the true Maxant tools and will bend. :(

I got my free hive tool from Brushy Mountain in my last order.They are giving them away,one per customer when you place your order throughout the year.Code # FHT or put free hive tool in the customer comment box on your order form.

I use the J Hook one, too. Back when I was using the old style, I was killing too many bees by trying to pry the frame out.

Why is the Italian one that Brushy Mtn sells better?

I have the Italian one that Brushy sells and only use it if I can't find my lower priced ones. I actually like the one that they're giving away over the long yellow one. I find that I damage my supers trying to break them apart with a dull hive tool. The stout ones made by Dadant and Brushy aren't sharp enough for my liking but they do work well for pulling frames once the supers are broken apart.

I didn't realize they were sold that way on purpose. I've got a couple cheap ones that are nice and sharp. I prefer them because the sharpness makes it easier for me to break the supers apart with less damage to the wood.

Just to let you all know, there imports out there from other "big" companies. We have had several people call us claiming they broke or bent their Maxant hive tool. Upon sending them back to us we find 99.9% they are imports/fakes/knock offs.

i lost my J tool this winter - my only gripe with the J end is trying to wedge it in between hive bodies - if i have to smack it with my hand to get it under the body, it usually hurts my hand. other than that, i love it. a big flat head screwdriver is no replacement - ordering a replacement today. which means i'll find the missing one tonight.

I have a wheel brace off a car from another life that I use. The only thing that it is difficult to do is scrape off burr comb or propolis. Other than that it separates and lifts frames, squashes SHB and a hundred and one other jobs. After all this great discussion on hive tools I have been thinking of buying one but the price over here is quite out of the question.

So I guess that I will continue to use the wheel brace that has done me well for over 15 years :lol: